Give reasons for the following :

Sodium metal should be stored in kerosene.

Sodium is kept in kerosene because it is a highly reactive metal. If it is kept in open container, it will react with oxygen and water vapour present in the atmosphere producing sodium oxides and sodium hydroxides respectively. It should be handled with care because it can react with the moisture of our hands and can cause blisters. kerosene oil does not react with sodium and acts as a barrier which restricts its reaction with oxygen and moisture.